Palatine's emergency manager takes the plunge

The weather was beautiful once again for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 27.

Overcast skies and temperatures in the low 30s welcomed Palatine EMA Coordinator Tom Smith, who was one of 443 brave souls who took the plunge at Twin Lakes Recreation Area in Palatine on behalf of Special Olympics Illinois athletes.

"As I did last year, I challenged our volunteers to come up with $1,000 in pledges, and if they did I would take the plunge," said Smith. "And once again they exceeded my expectations by pledging $1,800. I have to learn not to underestimate this great group of volunteers. I guess I didn't realize how badly people wanted to see me wearing nothing but a bathing suit on a frigid February day."

Decked out in a bright yellow Palatine Emergency Management safety vest and matching stocking cap, Tom took the plunge with one of the last groups so the 20 PEMA volunteers helping out with traffic and parking duties had a chance to see their fearful leader make his big entrance.

“I don't remember it being quite this cold last year” Smith pointed out afterward. “But you can't go wrong helping out and participating in such a great cause. Will I do it again next year? If I do I am setting the bar a little higher asking for $2,000 in pledges before I jump.”

Besides those who volunteered to work the event, other PEMA volunteers showed up to lend support. They arrived with cameras and video equipment to capture the event. PEMA is widely recognized for their volunteer efforts in the community. Over the years, they have been recognized by several Palatine civic organizations for their efforts

For more information on emergency management and volunteer opportunities, visit the Palatine Emergency Management/Citizen Corps website at www.palatine-ema.org.